Home Blog Page 1512

Bengaluru: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike workers detained for violent protests and vandalisation demanding ‘60% Kannada’ on all signboards

ANI
-
0
Bengaluru: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike workers detained for violent protests and vandalisation demanding ‘60% Kannada’ on all signboards

The Bengaluru police on Wednesday detained the members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada activist group, who were staging a protest in Karnataka’s Bengaluru demanding that all businesses and enterprises in Karnataka should put up nameplates in Kannada in their shops to fulfil the state government obligation that 60 per cent of the nameplate should be in Kannada.

The public awareness protest was held under the leadership of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike State President T A Narayan Gowda.

Meanwhile, it has also come to the fore that the KRV activists vandalised some of the shop boards carrying English nameplates. The members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike also broke flower pots outside the Mall of Asia in Bangalore, broke English signboards and sprayed black ink.

KRV State President T N Narayan Gowda said, “People from various states are doing business in Bangalore. But they don’t put Kannada nameplates on their shops. They are only putting up the nameplates of their shops in English. If they want to stay back in Bangalore then they have to put nameplates on their shops in Kannada or else they have to move from Karnataka to other states.”

He further said that there is a Karnataka government law that 60 per cent of the nameplate should be in Kannada.

“No one is following it properly, so today we are doing a massive awareness protest rally. If the police stop us today, our struggle will not stop. We will continue the rally every day till our demands are met,” he added.

He further alleged that Mall of Asia (Bengaluru) has not put a Kannada nameplate.

“We told them to put a Kannada nameplate but Mall of Asia (Bangalore) did not bother and has not put a Kannada nameplate so we will fight against this. Today police are providing full protection to the Mall of Asia (Bengaluru), but tomorrow who will provide protection? Tomorrow again our activists will protest, till our demand is fulfilled,” he added.

The rally was held from Nada Prabhu Kempegowda International Airport Toll (Sadarahalli Gate) to Cubbon Park.

Earlier, Tushar Giri Nath, chief commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), said that by February 28, commercial stores under the administrative body need to install 60 per cent Kannada language nameplates, which, if failing to do so, will attract legal action.

Addressing a meeting at Malleswaram IPP hall with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike regarding the mandatory use of Kannada language in the nameplates of all types of commercial shops under the corporation, he said that a meeting will be held with all the zonal commissioners regarding the mandatory use of Kannada language on the nameplates and appropriate directions will be given.

“There are 1400 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads in the city, and all the commercial shops on these roads will be surveyed zone-wise. After the survey, a notice will be given to the shops that do not use 60% Kannada language. After issuing the notice, they will be given time till February 28 to implement Kannada language nameplates and submit compliance to the respective zone commissioners,” Tushar Giri Nath said.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Former Pakistan FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who dreamed of ‘destroying Somnath temple’, manhandled and insulted by police after re-arrest outside jail

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Former Pakistan FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who dreamed of ‘destroying Somnath temple’, manhandled and insulted by police after re-arrest outside jail

On Wednesday (27th December), Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who had vowed to destroy Somnath temple in India, was rearrested by the Pakistan Police hours after he was released from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail in a cipher case. He was recently granted bail by the Pakistan Supreme Court in the given case.

Qureshi, the Vice Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was arrested on 9th May in a GHQ protest case. The PTI released several videos across social media and claimed that the leader was manhandled and mistreated by the Pakistan Police. “Former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi being mistreated by police officers as he was stating his rights. This is absolutely shameful, disgusting conduct by those who get paid by us!” the party said on X.

“I was released on bail by the Supreme Court, this is injustice, I am being punished for serving the nation,” Qureshi said while standing in an armored car. The videos, which were shared on the social media platform, showed Qureshi being pulled into the police van, with spectators asking the officers to be “careful” with the former minister.

“Police have re-arrested Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi on bail release from Adyala Jail following the Supreme Court’s verdict last week. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi had withdrawn the observation order issued under MPO. This treatment of a person with unparalleled service to Pakistan who are internationally respected senior politician is a sign of the arrogance of authority. The law has been made a joke and the fundamental constitutional rights of citizens have been openly violated. Pakistani people will never forget this oppression and injustice,” the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf wrote on Instagram.

On 22nd December, the Pakistan Supreme Court awarded bail to Qureshi and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the cipher case. Given their involvement in other cases, their immediate release from jail was not possible.

As the 67-year-old Qureshi was being discharged on Wednesday, a large contingent of police detained him again in the GHQ protest case and reportedly shifted him to an unknown location. According to the report, a case has been opened against Qureshi at the RA Bazar Police Station for attacking the GHQ during the 9th May riots.

Qureshi was arrested a day after Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassan Waqar Cheema delivered an order under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) for his 15-day imprisonment. This law allows the government to arrest someone if there is a risk of public disorder.

Cheema stated in his order that the Rawalpindi city police officer (CPO) informed him that Qureshi was a member of a political party, engaged in anti-state activities, and triggered damage to public and private property during the 9th May protest.

According to the Rawalpindi DC, Qureshi’s imprisonment is “necessary and expedient in (the) public interest” to prevent him from acting in any way that is detrimental to public safety or the maintenance of public order. 

Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s detention order was issued shortly before Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain issued his release orders from the Adiala Jail in the cipher case.

The March 2022 case involves Imran Khan waving a piece of paper at a public gathering and later naming the United States, claiming that the cipher was proof of an “international conspiracy” to destabilize his government. He made the allegations ahead of a vote of confidence, which he ultimately lost.

Qureshi was Khan’s Foreign Minister at the time, and he was indicted in the cipher case in October last year. 

It is important to note that Qureshi in the year 2020 had vowed to destroy the Somnath Temple in India’s Gujarat. The vow of the video had gone viral over the social media platform.

In the video, Qureshi could be heard saying how Shah Mehmood, like Mahmud Ghaznavi, has come out to destroy the Somnath temple. The crowd could be heard cheering for his vow in the background.

This video appears to be at least a decade old. The exact time of this speech of Qureshi cannot be verified.

“Inciting people to establish Islamic rule”: MHA declares Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA

ANI
-
0
“Inciting people to establish Islamic rule”: MHA declares Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday declared the ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’ MLJK-M as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act with immediate effect for the next five years, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah saying that “anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law”.

The MHA issued a notification declaring that the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction), referred to as the MLJK-MA, chaired by Masarat Alam Bhat, is known for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda.

The Ministry’s action against the group followed input that “the objectives of MLJK-MA are to get freedom of Jammu and Kashmir from India so as to realise the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan and establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir.”

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby declares the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association with immediate effect for a period of five years,” reads the notification.

Soon after the notification was issued, the Home Minister took to ‘X’, formerly Twitter, mentioning that “the ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-MA is declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA.”

“This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K. The PM @narendramodi government’s message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law,” Amit Shah posted on ‘X’.

As per the MHA notification, the members of the MLJK-MA have been indulging in the secessionist activities in the Jammu and Kashmir, and the leaders and members of the group have been involved in raising funds through various sources including Pakistan and its proxy organisations for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terrorist activities, sustained stone-pelting on Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

The notification points that the MLJK-MA and its members by their activities show sheer disrespect towards the constitutional authority and constitutional set up of the country; and its leaders and members, particularly its Chairman Masarat Alam Bhat, have been indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, security and communal

harmony of the country.

The MHA said there had been a number of inputs showing linkages of the MLJK-MA with banned terrorist organisations; as well as the MLJK-MA and its members have been involved in supporting terrorist activities with an intent to create a reign of terror in the country, thereby endangering the security and public order of the state, and its anti-national activities also show disrespect and disregard to the constitutional authority and sovereignty of the state, hence an immediate and prompt action is required against the organisation.

“The Central government is of the opinion that if there is no immediate curb or control of unlawful activities of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction), it will use this opportunity to continue with the anti-national activities which are detrimental to the territorial integrity, security and sovereignty of the country; continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India while disputing its accession to the Union of India; and

continue propagating false narratives and anti-national sentiments among the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the intention to cause disaffection against India and disrupt public order,” mentions the notification.

Noting these reasons, the notification says, the Central government is firmly of the opinion that having regard to the activities of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction), it is necessary to declare the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an ‘unlawful association’ with immediate effect. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Thinking of joining the MPhil course? It is no longer a recognised degree: Read what the UGC said

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Thinking of joining the MPhil course? It is no longer a recognised degree: Read what the UGC said

On 26th December, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a public notice warning students against MPhil courses being offered by some universities. In the notice, the commission said that it came to their notice that a few Universities were inviting fresh applications for the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) program.

The commission added that the MPhil degree colleges offering is not recognised as per the regulations laid down in 2022.

Furthermore, UGC added that UGC published the information regarding discontinuing MPhil in the Gazette of India on 7th November 2022. UGC asked the universities to immediately stop admissions to such programs for the 2023-24 academic year and advised students not to join them.

UGC’s notice read, “It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few Universities are inviting fresh applications for M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) program. In this regard, it is to bring to the notice that the M.Phil. degree is not a recognised degree. The Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2022 clearly states that Higher Educational Institutions shall not offer M.Phil. program.

In this regard, it is informed that the UGC has framed University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations,2022 which has been published in the Gazette of India on 7th November, 2022.

The Universities authorities, therefore, are requested to take immediate steps to stop admissions to M.Phil. program for the 2023-24 academic year. Further, students are advised not to take admission in M.Phil. Program.”

Karnataka: Pro-Kannada groups tear signboards with English nameplates, vandalise shops after ‘60% Kannada on signboard’ order

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Karnataka: Pro-Kannada groups tear signboards with English nameplates, vandalise shops after ‘60% Kannada on signboard’ order

Following the Karnataka administration’s order mandating the use of ‘60% Kannada’ on all signboards at the earliest, a violent language row erupted on 27th December (Wednesday) in Bengaluru. Several pro-Kannada activists from the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) held violent protests across the city demanding that shopkeepers and vendors make an immediate transition and use Kannada on their signboards.

As per the govt order, the font size of the Kannada text in the signboards will have to cover at least 60% of the entire signage, while English can occupy the rest 40% space. Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar confirmed this while talking to the media.

As per visuals of the protest and media reports, some pro-Kannada protestors hurled stones and vandalised shops, hotels and other properties. Additionally, some activists tore down English signboards while others defaced the signages of business establishments by spraying black ink to cover English letters on their signboards. Many signages attacked had Kannda text on them, but it was in smaller text, not occupying 60%, causing the anger.

Taking to X, India Today journalist Nabila Jamal questioned the failing Law and order situation in Bengaluru. She pointed out that Pro Kannada groups unabatedly carried out a total vandalism spree across central Bengaluru. They smashed English Signboards and vandalised property in full public view while cops struggled to maintain order.  

Speaking with Republic, a visitor said, “I am terrified… If people are coming from outside how they will understand Kannada? It is a total failure of law and order, the state government is responsible.” 

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) and other pro-Kannada groups staged a protest at Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR). According to reports, KRV activists led a march from Sadahalli Gate at Kempegowda Airport to Cubbon Park.

In addition, members of the Narayan Gowda faction within KRV vandalised hotel signboards and billboards along the roads.

According to reports, the protestors held the Kannada flag in hand (red and yellow flag) and began marching towards the prominent areas of Bengaluru where they stormed into businesses and tore down English signage. To contain the escalating law and order situation, the law-enforcement agencies took measures and deployed a large number of police personnel, especially near protest sites and Kempegowda Airport.

Police officials used lathi-charge and detained some of the protesters to control the situation after which the rampage reportedly stopped. 

The violent protest by Pro-Kannada groups took place approximately 48 hours after the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the civic body in Bengaluru, issued a directive. The directive mandated that business establishments must use 60% Kannada on their signboards while giving them a deadline of 15 days, failing which their license would be cancelled. 

BBMP commissioner Tushar Girinath had said, “Legal action will be taken against shops that do not install Kannada nameplates by February 28. Accordingly, shopfronts that do not use the Kannada language on nameplates will be suspended as per the law and then their licence will be cancelled.”

Bengaluru encompasses 1,400 km of main and secondary roads. A survey will be conducted to identify businesses that have complied with the regulations pertaining to the use of the Kannada language on their signboards.

The BBMP’s order came in the backdrop that on 22nd December, pro-Kannada groups held demonstrations at the famous Chikpete market in Bengaluru, heckling and targeting Marwari shop owners because their establishments carried signages with English in bold letters and Kannada in small font.

Earlier in October, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had warned that everyone residing in the state must learn the Kannada language, claiming that everyone living in Karnataka is a “Kannadiga”.

Iran releases animated video depicting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s assassination after Iranian military advisor dies in Israeli airstrike in Syria

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Iran releases animated video depicting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s assassination after Iranian military advisor dies in Israeli airstrike in Syria

On 26th December (Tuesday), the Iranian military reportedly released an animated video depicting the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the death of the top adviser of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Razi Mousavi in an airstrike in Damascus, Syria. Iran had blamed Israel for the airstrike and vowed to make Israel pay heavily for the act. 

Following the death of Mousavi, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed that Israel “will certainly pay for this crime.” 

Visuals in the animated video which is going viral on the internet show several top government and military officials with Israeli flags in the background deliberating on strategies. At the end of the video, a timer device deployed below the desk of animated Benjamin Netanyahu explodes.

As per reports, the animated video showing Netanyahu’s assassination and threatening Israel to watch out for ‘Friends of Hamas’ has been released by Iran’s Mehr News Agency. The video comes after the death of senior commander Mousavi in airstrike in Damascus earlier this week which Iran claimed was carried out by Israel. 

MEMRI TV reported that Iranian Arabic-language news agency Mehr posted a video simulating the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 25th  December 2023 on X (formerly Twitter), in response to the killing of senior IRGC commander Razi Mousavi in Syria, earlier that day. 

It further reported that in the post, Mehr News Agency wrote that the Angel of death awaits PM Netanyahu and the senior military leaders of the “Zionist entity” following the martyrdom of the comrade of IRGC Qods Force Commander Mousavi. The video concludes with the statement: “Protect yourselves from the friends of Haman.”

On 25th December, Brig. General Razi Mousavi was killed in a strike in the Damascus suburb of Sayeda Zeinab, as reported by Iran’s mouthpiece Tasnim news agency. As per reports, three munitions hit the compound where Mousavi was located. 

According to Iran’s state-owned Press TV, Hezbollah stated that it regards the killing of Mousavi as a “flagrant and shameless violation, which is off limits.” 

In a statement quoted by Iranian media, the IRGC confirmed that Mousavi was killed near Damascus, and vowed revenge. The IRGC said, “The usurping and barbaric Zionist regime will pay for this crime.”

The Tasnim reported that Mousavi was “one of the oldest advisers of IRGC in Syria” and close to former IRGC Quds force head, Qassem Soleimani. He was killed in a 2020 US drone strike in Iraq.

Rajasthan: 19-year-old woman killed, her friend wounded in Jaipur as a man mows down them with SUV after altercation in restaurant

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Rajasthan: 19-year-old woman killed, her friend wounded in Jaipur as a man mows down them with SUV after altercation in restaurant

A man named Mangesh struck a 19-year-old girl Uma Suthar and her 28-year-old companion Rajkumar with his SUV following a heated argument in a restaurant in Jaipur’s Jawahar Circle neighbourhood early on 26th December morning. The young woman was killed and her friend was left seriously injured. The restaurant employees rushed both to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her wounds while the latter was still under medical care. “The accused is absconding. Further investigation is underway,” proclaimed Dalbeer Singh who is the station house officer (SHO) of the local police station.

Uma and Rajkumar went to the resturant-cum-bar which is located at SL Marg on the night of 25th December. After some time, Mangesh and his girlfriend arrived there, according to the first information report (FIR) that the injured victim filed, who is a partner in the establishment as well. Around eleven o’clock at night, he and Uma returned to the restaurant for dinner after checking out some construction being carried out on the rooftop.

The official complaint informed, “The accused Mangesh was also having drinks with his girlfriend there. After some time, they started passing comments towards Uma. When Rajkumar objected, Mangesh said he already knew him.” The four then reportedly sat down and had a casual conversation but Mangesh attempted to touch Uma, based on a police officer who referenced the charges in the FIR filed in response to Rajkumar’s complaint.

Later, they sat together and had a conversation. However, Mangesh tried to touch Uma, and was talking rudely to her. Rajkumar added that he was looking at Uma ‘with wrong intentions’.

After that Uma booked a cab to leave the restaurant, and she along with Rajkumar went out of the establishment to wait for the cab at around 5 AM. Meanwhile, Mangesh and his girlfriend, who had also left, returned to that place and stopped his SUV near them. After that Mangesh got into a heated argument with Uma and Rajkumar while remaining inside the vehicle. Some staff of the restaurant also came out to resolve the situation.

As seen in a viral CCTV video, Magnesh reversed his vehicle during the heated exchange and then rammed into Uma and Rajkumar at high speed. The two immediately fell to the ground, and were rushed to the Fortis Hospital. However, doctors said that Uma had already died, while Rajkumar was being treated for the injuries.

Sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were invoked in the FIR filed at the Jawahar Circle police station. Accused Mangesh, who runs a garment showroom, is currently absconding. “We are examining CCTV footage as part of the investigation. Both Mangesh and her girlfriend are absconding. We will arrest the accused soon,” stated SHO Dalbeer Singh.

UP: Darul Uloom Deoband ‘student’ detained for threatening Pulwama-like terror attack

OpIndia Staff
-
0
UP: Darul Uloom Deoband ‘student’ detained for threatening Pulwama-like terror attack

On Wednesday (27th December), Mohammad Talha Mazhar – a student from the Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh – was detained by Saharanpur police for issuing threats to repeat a Pulwama-like terrorist attack. The police have formed a team to probe the case. The student is in the police custody and being interrogated. The X profile of the arrested accused shows multiple reshare of video posts involving videos of AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and other politicians from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Mohammad Talha Mazhar posted on his X handle, “Insha Allah, there will be another Pulwama soon.” It is notable that in the Pulwama terror attack that took place on 14th February 2019, more than 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The terrorist attack was carried out by Jaish-E-Mohammad.

Mohammad Talha Mazhar hails from Saraikela in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur. He is a student at the Darul Uloom Madrasa in Deoband, in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. His profile is full of Hamas-sympathising posts and videos. He has also shared multiple posts involving videos of Asaduddin Owaisi’s speeches.

As soon as the Uttar Pradesh Police noticed his post, he was detained by the Saharanpur Police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad of the UP Police. The police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) are interrogating the arrested youth regarding his social media post that issued threats of an attack similar to the Pulwama incident. A legal case has been filed against the Darul Uloom Deoband student for making a threatening statement online.

The ATS is probing if the youth is connected to any terrorist organisation in any way. Reports suggest that his hostel inmates are also being questioned. The mobile phone of the youth is also confiscated by the probing authorities.

Dr Vipin Tada – SSP of Saharanpur – said, “Deoband police received information that a youth has made an objectionable tweet. Given the seriousness of the matter, Deoband Police has registered a case and is interrogating the youth. A joint team with ATS is formed to probe this case. Based on the information we get in the primary interrogation, we will take further action.”

This is not the first time that Darul Uloom Deoband’s name has appeared in such controversy. Recently, the UP Police ATS cracked down against terrorist modules and arrested multiple accused terrorists. Many of them were directly connected to the Darul Uloom Deoband.

Rajasthan CM’s wife and son undertake strenuous Dandavat Parikrama of Govardhan Giriraj in Mathura, to complete 21 km parikrama in 5 days, video viral

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Rajasthan CM’s wife and son undertake strenuous Dandavat Parikrama of Govardhan Giriraj in Mathura, to complete 21 km parikrama in 5 days, video viral

The family of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma is an ardent devotee of Govardhan Giriraj Ji Maharaj. After assuming the Chief Minister’s post, he along with his family visited the Danghati, Shrinath Ji, and Poonchi Ka Lautha temples in Govardhan and offered prayers. Now a video is going viral on social media, in which his wife Geeta Sharma and son Ashish can be seen performing the strenuous Dandavat Parikrama (prostrating circumambulation of a temple) of Govardhan Giriraj along with other devotees amid tight security.  

Seeing the parikrama, the devotees and netizens have been appreciating their simplicity and unwavering devotion to Govardhan Maharaj. 

As per reports, on 26th December (Tuesday), Rajasthan CM Sharma’s wife and son started Dandavati Parikrama from the foothills as per rituals. After reaching Govardhan on Tuesday afternoon, they first visited and performed Puja at the Lautha temple of Poonchati. Afterwards, they started Dandavat Parikrama by lying down on the road among other devotees. There are security personnel accompanying them.

Of the total 21 km parikrama, they circumambulated 3 km on the first day. Their circumambulation will be completed in about five days. Dandavat Parikrama involves prostrating in a ‘dandavat’ pose, then marking the place where the hand touches ground, and then proceeding to prostrate again on that spot.

Notably, the temple of Giriraj Maharaj is in Govardhan, which falls in the Mathura region of UP and borders the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. Lakhs of devotees come here to seek blessings and darshan. They perform this strenuous circumambulation on foot or by prostration. The entire parikrama is divided into two phases. The first parikrama is 12 kilometers while the second one is shorter and spans 9 kilometers. The total parikrama is thus 21 kilometers.

Giriraj Maharaj is the Isht devata of CM Bhajanlal Sharma’s family. As per reports, he along with his family members have been doing the danadavat parikrama of Giriraj Ji Maharaj every year for more than a decade-and-a-half. However, because of his Chief Ministerial duties, this year he could not perform the parikrama. 

CM Bhajanlal Sharma is a resident of Attari village in the Nadbai area of Bharatpur district. His family is devout Hindu and has unwavering faith and devotion in their Isht Devta Giriraj ji. He often does Gauseva, feeds monkeys, and organises Bhandara.  

His father Kishan Swaroop Sharma and mother Gomati Devi have been followers of Giriraj Ji Maharaj for years. There is a big idol of Baba in his house where the family regularly performs the puja. Kishan Swaroop and Gomti Devi have also been doing Dandavat Parikrama for years. However due to health reasons they could not participate in the Dandavat Parikrama this year.

Earlier this month on 12th December, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), contrary to the media speculations, announced Bhajan Lal Sharma as the new CM-designate of Rajasthan, and on 15th December he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state. He is a first-time MLA and represents the Sanganer assembly constituency but he has organisational experience and served as state General Secretary for the party four times. 

I.N.D.I. Alliance non-starter in Punjab: Congress leaders oppose alliance with AAP for Lok Sabha elections while AAP wants to contest all seats

OpIndia Staff
-
0
I.N.D.I. Alliance non-starter in Punjab: Congress leaders oppose alliance with AAP for Lok Sabha elections while AAP wants to contest all seats

The chances of the Congress-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alliance under the banner of I.N.D.I. Alliance are dimming as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach closer. While AAP has shown a desire to contest all 13 seats in Punjab and one seat in Chandigarh alone on several occasions, Punjab Congress leadership has denied any possibility of contesting elections with the Kejriwal-led party. On 26th December, it was reported that the majority of Punjab Congress leaders stood against the idea of an alliance with AAP for the General Elections during a meeting of Punjab’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) chaired by All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also present at the meeting.

The party’s top leadership reportedly promised the Punjab Congress that the decision would be taken only after consultation with the state unit over the proposed alliance. The Congress leaders chose not to speak to the media after the meeting. However, as per Tribune’s sources, the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Pratap Singh Bajwa, former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Sangat Singh Gilzian and other leaders expressed their dismay over the idea of an alliance with Punjab.

Furthermore, they spoke about the alleged political vendetta by AAP against the party leaders in the state. On the other hand, former PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and other MPs favoured joining hands with AAP in Punjab for the Lok Sabha elections. Reports suggest that 40 Congress leaders were present at the meeting. Out of these, 13 openly spoke about the issue. Several leaders told the top Congress leaders that party workers were against alliance with AAP in Punjab.

Following their opposition to the tie-up with AAP, Gandhi and Kharge assured them that no decision had been taken so far and they would consult the local leaders before making any decision. Speaking to the media, state president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring refused to discuss the alliance with AAP. He said that the prime focus of the meeting was on election strategy, identifying the issues and strengthening the organisational structure. He said, “Leaders simply conveyed their views on the alliance to the high command, and there was no in-depth discussion on the issue.” Warring emphasised that the party leaders should express their views on the party platform only. He added, “If anyone wants to express his personal opinion, he will have to leave the party. Everyone has to maintain the party discipline, be it the PCC president, former president or block president.”

AAP and Congress want to contest all 13 seats in Punjab separately

Earlier, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal expressed his desire to contest all thirteen Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and one Lok Sabha seat in Chandigarh in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.

During a public meeting in Bathinda, Punjab, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Arvind Kejriwal said, “All these parties are sad. They feel that their jobs have been taken away permanently. No one is going to vote for them again. The way [AAP formed] government three times in Delhi, you will give a majority vote to AAP in the next elections. Lok Sabha elections are not far away. There are 13 seats in Punjab and one seat in Chandigarh. My heart says the way people benefit; you should give all 13 seats to us and make us strong.”

On the other hand, the Punjab Congress has also opposed the idea of alliance. On 12th December, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said his party would contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab. Furthermore, he added that the high command had not given any instructions for contesting the upcoming General elections in any alliance.

1...1,5111,5121,513...7,655Page 1,512 of 7,655